30 Best Gifts Under $30
These gifts are sure to please the outdoor enthusiast in your life. And best of all, each one costs $30 or less.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great gift, and we’re here to prove it. Here are 30 awesome gifts for that special outdoorsy someone. Each one is priced at just $30 or less and is sure to be a pleaser.
Smartwool Ski Socks — Men’s & Women’s
Nothing says happy holidays like a brand-new pair of winter-themed snow socks. These OTC ones from Smartwool have been favorites for a few seasons running. They are made with a blend of merino and synthetic fabrics, and have the brand’s Indestructawool technology to ensure durability.
Our favorites are the targeted cushion (medium cushion) over-the-calf socks, but the Zero Cushion varieties are a popular style as well.
Check Men’s Price at SmartwoolCheck Women’s Price at Smartwool
Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug
This is a must-have accessory for those times when you want to get up with a cup of java in hand. The Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug holds 16 ounces and will keep your coffee hot for hours on end.
The stainless steel is naturally BPA-free and rust-resistant. And the push-button lid prevents spills and makes it easy to sip on the go.
BUFF Lightweight Merino Wool BUFF
The BUFF ($29) is one of our favorite pieces of gear of all time. It’s super-versatile: Wear it as a neck gaiter, hat, balaclava, and more. And this one is made from merino wool, giving it a nice upgrade over synthetics.
Wool is naturally antimicrobial, so it won’t develop odors easily. And it keeps you warm even when wet. Grab one for your loved one.
Revel Trail Hound Camping Lights
Light up camp with these crowd-pleasing twinkle camp lights. The Revel Gear Trail Hound 30 Ft. Camping Lights ($30) come on a thin copper wire, and you can choose from white, single-colored, multi-colored, and even dimmable options. Set up camp, set the mood, and enjoy!
PackTowl
Perfect for cleaning at camp, basking at a beach, or washing your face in the morning, these PackTowls are small, lightweight, and perfectly packable. The three face, hand, and body sizes are all under 30 bucks.
We love ours for backpacking and camping, and usually have a spare one in the car. The variety of fun colors and patterns is what makes these a great gift — no matter the season!
Sea to Summit X Brew Coffee Pour Over
Make drip coffee wherever you go with this clever coffee brewer from Sea to Summit. The pour-over collapses for storage, packing, and travel, and it’s made of super-durable and heat-safe food-grade silicone.
The reusable stainless-steel mesh filter (included) has fine 180-micron holes, eliminating the need for single-use paper filters. It nests inside the Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle and X-Mugs (in case you want to gift a whole kit). Just grab your favorite bean!
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Hip Pack
We love fanny packs (or hip packs, waist packs, if you like), and this lightweight hauler is abundantly useful. Constructed of nylon ripstop, this Patagonia Lightweight Mini Hip Pack is sturdy and weather-resistant. It also doesn’t take up too much room, adjusts well, and comes in great colors!
Rue Mapp’s Nature Swagger Book
This book from Outdoor Afro founder, Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in nature. But it’s more than that. It’s a gorgeous read filled with stories and tales from Black leaders in outdoor spaces.
Rue Mapp enlisted fellow Outdoor Afro group members (and many others in the outdoors) to put together this book, which aims to “inspire Black communities to reclaim their place in the natural world.”
If you’re looking for a gift for a fellow bookworm, look no further than this deeply joyful, community-bonding read.
REI Active Pursuits Running Shirt — Men’s
One of our favorite running T-shirts of the year is the moisture-wicking Active Pursuits from REI. This is a simple yet thoughtful give for anyone who is outside often, and loves to hike, bike, or run. The T-shirt ($25) has two-way stretch fabric, flat seams, and reflective touches, and it comes in sizes S-3XL.
BioLite Site String Lights
Are string lights necessary? Sometimes. Fun? You bet. These LED string lights charge (and are powered by) USB, provide 150 lumens, run about 6 feet long, and pack down small. They even made our list of Best String Lights for Camping in 2022.
Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock
This hammock is a perfect starter kit, and a great gift for those of all ages. Grand Trunk’s Ultralight Hammock weighs 12 ounces and packs down to about the size of a softball. The Ultralight hammock from Grand Trunk is made of a breathable polyester material, so it’s perfect for spring and summer.
The Runner and The Rider Subscription Boxes
Know someone who loves gear, and also loves surprises? Consider gifting The Runner or The Rider subscription boxes, which deliver an assortment of fitness gear, snacks, and accessories monthly. Boxes include things like EDC flashlights, trail snacks and hydration products, camp accessories, and more.
Unlike lots of other subscription boxes, these are just $28-34 per box (depending on the subscription). It’s no wonder they made our list of Favorite Subscription Boxes in 2022.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Make camping that much more fun with a packable pillow. Made from leftover bits of sleeping pads, this Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow ($30-45) gets double points for comfort and recycling. This pillow is also small enough to be easily stashable and packable for road trips and air travel, too.
Hydro Flask 12-Ounce Mug
Sometimes you want to sip and savor, and sometimes you’re on the go. The Hydro Flask 12-ounce Mug ($28) provides the tactile experience of your favorite morning cup with the insulation and dependability of your favorite Hydro Flask.
So feel free to slow down and take in the day or start your multitasking early. This coffee mug will ensure that you start strong. Bonus: check out the new bark/cork design!
25 Best Gifts Under $50 at REI
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
More than 16,000 people can’t be wrong. That’s how many reviews the Anker Soundcore ($22) has on Amazon, where this little powerhouse carries a 4.7-star rating.
It’s a great speaker for kicking up the tunes outside, and at just under $30, it’s an amazing value. It’s IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can handle rain and splashes. And it should play 500 songs between charges!
Goodr OG Sunglasses
Whether it’s for travel, running, or commuting, Goodr’s sunglasses are sure to get the job done. The OGs ($25) are glare-reducing and block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and they come in polarized lens options. The frames are lightweight and have silicone grips, and best of all, they come in more than eight fun styles.
Honey Stinger Plus Performance Chews
When Honey Stinger came out with chews a couple of years ago, we were impressed off the bat. Similar to other jelly energy chews, they provide a boost of fuel in the form of caffeine, sodium, electrolytes, and more. The chews come in three flavors, including an impressively fun Stingarita Lime.
Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves
Looking for a winter-themed gift that won’t break the bank? Grab these soft and touchscreen-compatible gloves from Black Diamond. These lightweight liner gloves provide protection from wind and cold, and they work great for an array of activities in the cold.
Trigger Point Performance Massage Bar
Not ready to drop 200+ bucks on a massage gun? Check out Trigger Point Performance’s lower price option — this massage bar. At just $25, you can roll, knead, and deliver pressure to any muscle that needs some TLC. The bar has eight independently spinning wheels that are designed to have good and comfortable traction on skin or clothing, as well as ergonomic handles.
BlackStrap Stuff Sacks
Blackstrap is known for its balaclavas and winter wear. But its stuff sacks ($13 and up) are extra special, as they’re made from scrap fabrics. Plus, they get printed with epic designs, like this Smokey Bear. Upcycled fabric, functional, and fun? There are tons of uses for stuff sacks — and this one is one of our favorites to gift. It comes in 2L, 7L, and 12L sizes.
Phoozy Device Protective Sleeve
Phoozy’s Apollo sleeve makes a perfect gift (for anyone with a smartphone that is). The Phoozy sleeve ($30) protects devices from overheating, UV rays, and freezing in the cold, and it provides military-grade drop protection. Oh, and it even floats.
Patagonia Worn Wear Gear Patches
Know someone who’s a stickler for gear maintenance? Or who has that old puffy they won’t give up? Grab some of these Worn Wear gear patches from Patagonia. The patches are made from super-sticky tenacious tape and come in fun shapes like bears, bison, and an anvil to patch all kinds of gear.
Kuhl Uberkuhl Cap
This cap is hands down one of the best our editor has owned. The Kuhl Uberkuhl Cap provides great protection from the sun, doesn’t soak or stain from sweat, and comes in some really nice earth-tone colors. We love its lighter fabric and durability, too.
Nuun Immunity Support Hydration Tablets
Nuun’s hydration tablets are nothing new, though this year the brand caught our attention with its seasonal flavors. No, there’s no chocolate mint or toffee apples, but there is spiced cider and an indulgent blackberry acai ($8/tube). If you know someone who is always on the go and enjoys electrolyte mixes, add these seasonal Nuuns to your shopping list.
YETI Rambler + HotShot Cap
YETI has an ingenious solution for drinking on the go — no missing or spilling with a 360-degree, easy-to-find, leakproof cap. You can get the 12-ounce Rambler with the cap for under $30, or just the HotShot Cap for $13.
It fits on both sizes of the Rambler bottles (12 and 18 ounces). It’s definitely one of our favorite accessories we’ve used from YETI this past year.
Check HotShot Cap Price at BackcountryCheck Rambler HotShot Bottle Price at REI
Outdoor Research Trail Mix Bucket Hat
Bucket hats are back in style! The arctic blue and elk brown versions of this classic breathable grid fleece hat are on sale now. Looking for a unique stocking stuffer? Look no further than this hat.
These hats are everything — cozy, quick-drying, warm and cool, UPF-protective, and lightweight — not to mention that you’ll get bonus points for style on your next fall or winter hike.
UCO 5-Piece Eco Mess Kit
Every camper needs a basic mess kit. UCO’s five-piece mess kit ($30) is a smartly designed, basic set of utensils and durable dinnerware that packs up easily. It includes a bowl, lid/plate, 4-in-1 utensil, and a rubber leash/tether for the whole kit.
Newly updated with 100% Recover recycled materials, this mess kit has still proved durable trip after trip. Our editors have used it and trust it as a go-to for camp meals.
Kuju Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee
Instant coffee is always convenient, but not always the tastiest. Kuju makes its coffee to be both: offering different flavors and blends. And it comes with the coffee, pour-over, and filter all wrapped up into one single-serving pack. We love to stash these ($15/6-pack) in our car camp kit and office for when you need that pick-me-up.
Ultra-Sil Nano Day Pack
The tiniest pack I’ve ever seen is this one, the Ultra-Sil Nano from Sea to Summit. It’s made with an ultralight 15-denier fabric, and though it’s just a few fingers wide, it expands to a useful 18L-carry size.
You can literally clip this to a belt loop, kids’ backpack, keychain, purse, and more. It is perfect for those who love to travel light, but still also appreciate having a reusable bag or daypack on hand. We think it’d make a great stocking stuffer, too.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0
This gift works for everyone: your SO, your bestie, your travel buddy. The Matador Pocket blanket is an ultralight, always-be-prepared solution to playing outdoors. The blanket has stakes in the corners for grounding in sand or dirt, an integrated stuff sack, and a water-resistant nylon construction.
It looks crazy thin, but works well if you are looking for just a bit of protection from the ground. The 2.0 version comes in the original blaze red, plus four new colors.
Gear Lust: 23 Gifts for Outdoorsy People
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